How to Grow Camellia Sasanqua Kanjiro - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Camellia sasanqua kanjiro is a plant that is native to Japan. It is a member of the tea family and is closely related to Camellia sinensis, the plant that is used to make black and green tea. The kanjiro camellia is a small evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet. It has glossy, dark green leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom in the fall or winter. The flowers are followed by small, reddish-brown fruits.

How to Grow Camellia Sasanqua Kanjiro - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Camellia sasanqua 'Kanjiro'
  • Sasanqua camellia 'Kanjiro'
  • Christmas camellia 'Kanjiro'
  • Winter-flowering camellia 'Kanjiro'
  • Camellia x vernalis 'Kanjiro'

Things to Know

  • Camellia sasanqua 'Kanjiro' is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub with a rounded habit.
  • It has glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant, white flowers with yellow centers.
  • 'Kanjiro' is a slow grower and can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide at maturity.
  • It is best planted in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, acidic soil.
  • Once established, 'Kanjiro' is relatively drought tolerant.
  • It is generally pest and disease free.
  • 'Kanjiro' is winter hardy in USDA zones 7-
  • The plant can be propagated from seed or semi-ripe cuttings.
  • It is a popular choice for bonsai.
  • 'Kanjiro' is the national flower of Malaysia.

Related plant:
Camellia Black Lace

Growing Steps

  1. For camellia sasanqua kanjiro, first step is to plant the seeds in a well-draining, sandy soil mix.
  2. Water the seedlings regularly, but do not overwater.
  3. Fertilize the seedlings every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
  5. Put the pots in a sunny location, but out of direct sunlight.
  6. Water the plants regularly, but do not overwater.
  7. Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the plants regularly to encourage bushiness.
  9. When the plants are big enough, transplant them into your garden.
  10. Water the plants regularly, but do not overwater.

Related plant:
Camellia Sasanqua Hedge

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Camellia sasanqua Kanjiro prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 and good drainage. It does not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils. If your soil is not well drained, consider planting Camellia sasanqua Kanjiro in a raised bed. Adding organic matter to the soil will also help improve drainage.

Light condition

So, like the other camellia varieties, camellia sasanqua kanjiro requires little to no sun in order to thrive. In fact, this particular variety is known to do best when it is grown in areas that receive dappled sunlight or partial shade. So, if you are looking to add a camellia sasanqua kanjiro to your garden, make sure to choose a spot that will provide it with the right amount of sun exposure.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for camellia sasanqua kanjiro is around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. This temperature is perfect for the plant to bloom flowers. If the temperature is too cold, the plant will not bloom flowers. If the temperature is too hot, the plant will wilt.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. During winter, the air is generally much drier than this. You can increase the humidity around your camellia sasanqua kanjiro by grouping it with other plants, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with an organic camellia fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package. As far as roots go, Camellia sasanqua 'Kanjiro' has a shallow root system, so it is best to plant it in an area that is not prone to drought.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your camellia sasanqua kanjiro healthy and looking its best. It helps to encourage new growth and can also help to control the size and shape of the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches and to cut back any overgrown areas.

The Propagation

Propagation of camellia sasanqua kanjiro is best done by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy shoots that have not flowered. Cuttings should be around 10-15cm in length with a sharp knife or secateurs. Remove the bottom leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top of the cutting. Dip the cutting into rooting hormone powder and plant into a pot or container filled with moistened, well-drained potting mix. Keep the pot or container in a warm, protected place until new growth appears, which can take several weeks. Once new growth appears, allow the top of the potting mix to dry out slightly between watering. When the plant is established, water it deeply but less frequently. Feed camellia sasanqua kanjiro plants with a camellia fertilizer in spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about three to five inches per year. However, some varieties may grow a little faster or slower depending on the cultivar. For example, the ‘Kanjiro’ cultivar grows at a rate of five to seven inches per year.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are over-watering and under-watering. If the plant is over-watered, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. If the plant is under-watered, the leaves will start to wilt and the buds will fall off.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to mulch your camellia sasanqua kanjiro regularly to help keep the roots cool and moist.
  • Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
  • When camellia sasanqua kanjiro plants are young, they may require more water than when they are mature.
  • Fertilize your camellia sasanqua kanjiro regularly to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune camellia sasanqua kanjiro plants as needed to shape them and encourage new growth.
  • Protect plants from strong winds, as they can damage camellia sasanqua kanjiro's delicate flowers.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  • Camellia sasanqua kanjiro plants can be susceptible to root-knot nematodes, so it

Similar Plants

  • Camelia Sasanqua like the Camelia Japonica with its subspecies that has white flowers, has yellow flowers that bloom in early spring, including Kerria Japonica.
  • Camelia Sasanqua like the Camelia Japonica is an evergreen plant and can reach a height of 15 m. Camelia Japonica blooms in autumn or winter.
  • Camelia Sasanqua like the Camelia Japonica has glossy leaves and a beautiful flower. Camelia Japonica is a hybrids.
  • Camellia Sasanqua like the Camellia Japonica is known as a species of Camellia. Camellia Japonica blooms in spring.
  • Camelia Sasanqua like the Camelia Japonica is an ornamental plant. Camelia Japonica has double or semi-double flowers.
  • Camellia Sasanqua like the Came

Source:
Camellia sasanqua | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Sasanqua Camellia (Camellia sasanqua)
Camellia Sasanqua | Mississippi State University Extension Service

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category